400 - Simrad AP16 Autopilot - strange behavior

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Simrad AP16 Autopilot - strange behavior

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 400
Forum Description: 400 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10762
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 01:23
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Simrad AP16 Autopilot - strange behavior

Posted By: toholthe
Subject: Simrad AP16 Autopilot - strange behavior
Date Posted: 06 May 2018 at 21:31

Hi,

My autopilot is not able to keep the boat on a straight track. I suddenly make a hard turn probably 10-20 deg, and then gets back on track. This happens every couple of minutes.

I can see on the chartplotter Simrad NSE8 that there is a difference between the COG and Heading at some courses, maybe 10-15 deg or more. Is it only current/drift that will make a difference between COG and Heading? Where i sail in Norway it is not much current, so this might be the cause for the autopilot problem?

I recently moved the bow thruster battery from the position under the chair in the saloon to the just beside the thruster. Maybe this is the reason for the strange behavior?

I checked that there is nothing magnetic close to the compass, so this should not be the problem.

Do you think I need to do the “seatrail setup” on the autopilot again? Is this the reason for the odd behavior?

Replies:

Posted By: toholthe
Date Posted: 07 May 2018 at 22:12

I was out testing today. I believe my rudder feedback unit reports faulty values in some split seconds making the boat turn. Anyone know if it is serviceable?